Slow-Motion U.S. Recovery Searches for Second Gear

By

Brenda Cronin

Updated June 24, 2013 5:55 p.m. ET

After four bumpy years, the U.S. recovery finally appears to be on a smoother road.

Many economists now predict 2014 will be the best year for growth since 2005, while joblessness is expected to click below 7% next year for the first time since 2008. Houses are selling again, the energy sector is booming and jobs, while not plentiful, are being created at a steady pace. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve upped its estimate for next...